d20 Modern Classes

If you have a particular fondness for the standard classes in the MSRDs, then you can still play them in Phoenix using one of the two following optional rules: using the Modern classes (Base/Advanced) or mixing them (Base/Superhero). However, we don’t recommend you mix these options because the superhero classes are significantly stronger than the modern classes. However, if you don’t mind having different power levels in the same game, then have at it. It’s your game.

Modern Classes

You can simply use the Base and Advanced classes from d20 Modern as written but with the addition of 10CP per level and access to Powers and Ads/Comps. The standard classes are less powerful than the superhero classes, in keeping with the superhero genre, but if you know and like those standard classes, then you can use them without much trouble. All you need to add to a pre-existing class in order to play it in Phoenix is a Power Die. The Table below lists the power dice for the standard Advanced classes.

Base/Advanced Power Dice

Class

Die

Class

Die

Strong

d6

Field Scientist

d8

Fast

d8

Gunslinger

d6

Tough

d6

Infiltrator

d6

Smart

d8

Investigator

d6

Dedicated

d8

Mage

d10

Charismatic

d6

Martial Artist

d6

Acolyte

d10

Negotiator

d8

Battlemind

d10

Personality

d8

Bodyguard

d6

Soldier

d6

Daredevil

d6

Techie

d6

Field Medic

d8

Telepath

d10

If you want to use a class that’s not in the table, it’s not particularly difficult to come up with a power die. Power Dice range from d6 to d10. The Power Die is granted based primarily on need. If the class is oriented toward a particular kind of power that requires a lot of PPs, then it gets a bigger power die. The Thinker, for example, needs that d10 because its combat abilities are very weak. Warriors, on the other hand, get only d6 because they already have a fair bit of combat readiness, but they’re also more likely to take traits or powers that don’t require a lot of PPs. If you use the Phoenix classes and the standard Advanced classes as a guide, you can assign power dice based on parallel character concepts.

Sample Character: John Law

Mixed Classes

In this model, you use the Base classes and treat the Phoenix classes like Advanced classes. Your first four levelsare in a Base class; they become your backstory from before you were a superhero. When you start playing, you can continue with that Base class or switch to an Advanced class when you meet the prerequisites. The Table below lists the prerequisites for the 13 Phoenix classes.